Patient support apparatus with physical therapy system

ABSTRACT

A patient support apparatus configured to enable an occupant of the patient support apparatus to perform a physical therapy routine while being supported by the patient support apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATION

This present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/774,190, entitled “PATIENTSUPPORT APPARATUS WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY SYSTEM,” which was filed on Mar.7, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is related to a patient support apparatus. Morespecifically, the present disclosure is related to a patient supportapparatus configured to enable a patient to perform a physical therapyroutine while being supported by the patient support apparatus.

In some instances, a physician prescribes physical therapy to a patientto assist the patient's recovery after an injury caused by physicaltrauma or disease. A nurse, physical therapist, or caregiver mayinstruct and observe the patient while the patient performs theprescribed physical therapy routine. The patient may perform thephysical therapy routine in a variety of locations including a hospitalroom or the patient's home. Additionally, the patient may perform thephysical therapy routine when standing, sitting, or while beingsupported by a patient support apparatus.

One method of administering the prescribed physical therapy routine, andverifying that the physical therapy routine is correctly performed, isto hire a caregiver, trained in physical therapy, to monitor the patientas the patient performs the physical therapy routine. Requiring acaregiver, trained in physical therapy, to supervise the patient canplace a large financial burden on the patient. Additionally, a hospitalor other facility may have a limited number of caregivers trained inphysical therapy. This may lead to less physical therapy sessions forall patients in need of physical therapy or some patients with marginalneed of physical therapy receiving no physical therapy at all.

Another method of administering the prescribed physical therapy is toinstruct the patient to perform self-guided physical therapy. However, apatient may be unmotivated and choose not to perform the requiredphysical therapy. Additionally, the patient may perform the physicaltherapy routine incorrectly causing poor results or injury to thepatient.

Patients prescribed physical therapy may be instructed to remain in bedor may be physically unable to exit a bed. These patients may experiencedifficulty in performing prescribed physical therapy that requires thepatient to be out of bed or incorporates the use of heavy equipment.Additionally, a caregiver trained in physical therapy may have abuilding or area within a building dedicated to physical therapysessions. The caregiver may have to relocate to the patient's room dueto the inability of the patient to exit their bed. The travel associatedwith the caregiver relocating may reduce the total time available to allpatients for physical therapy or increase the financial burden of thepatient receiving the physical therapy. By relocating to the patient'sroom, the caregiver may be limited to assisting one patient instead ofmultiple patients in a group therapy session. As such, traditionalphysical therapy may be difficult or costly for some patients and maylead to less physical therapy for all patients.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited inthe appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in anycombination, may comprise patentable subject matter:

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a patient supportapparatus for providing physical therapy to an occupant comprises aprocessor, a sensor unit, a graphical display, and a memory device. Thesensor unit is operable to sense a position and motion of limbs of theoccupant in the patient support apparatus and to transmit informationrepresenting the position and motion of the limbs of the occupant to theprocessor. The graphical display is coupled to the processor andconfigured to display graphics based upon feedback from the processor.The memory device is coupled to the processor and contains informationrepresenting an idealized set of positions and motions of limbs of anoccupant to be achieved by the occupant while performing a physicaltherapy routine. The processor is configured to update the graphicaldisplay based upon the information representing the position and motionof the limbs of the occupant performing the physical therapy routinereceived from the sensor unit and a comparison between the informationrepresenting the position and motion of limbs of the occupant and theinformation representing the idealized set of positions and motions ofthe limbs of an occupant performing a physical therapy routine stored inthe memory device.

In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to update thegraphical display to display graphics instructing the occupant to movethe limbs of the occupant with at least one of a first speed, a firstrange of motion, and a first force to progress the physical therapy. Insome embodiments, the processor may be configured to update thegraphical display to display graphics instructing the occupant to movethe limbs of the occupant with at least one of a second speed, a secondrange of motion, and a second force to progress the physical therapy.The one of the second speed, second range of motion, and second forcemay be determined by the comparison between the information representingthe position and motion of limbs of the occupant and the informationrepresenting the idealized set of positions and motions of the limbs ofan occupant performing a physical therapy routine stored in the memorydevice.

In some embodiments, the information representing the idealized set ofpositions and motions of limbs of the occupant may be based upon alength of a limb of the occupant. In some embodiments, the informationrepresenting the idealized set of positions and motions of limbs of theoccupant may be based upon an age of the occupant.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit may be wirelessly connected to anassigned patient support apparatus and the sensor unit may sound anaudible alarm if the sensor unit is moved to a position outside of aspecified range of the assigned patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments, the patient support apparatus may include at leastone physiological sensor. The physiological sensor may be configured totransmit information representing one of a heart rate, a respirationrate, calories burned, and a temperature of the occupant to theprocessor.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit may include a number of weightsensors. In some embodiments, the sensor unit may be mounted on a memberof the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments, the graphical display may be positioned to bevisible to the occupant. In some embodiments, the graphical display maybe mounted on a member of the patient support apparatus. In someembodiments, the graphical display may be included in the sensor unit.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit may include an image-recordingdevice. In some embodiments, the sensor unit may include at least oneaccelerometer. In some embodiments, the sensor unit includes a radiofrequency sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit may include at least one switch.The at least one switch may have an inactive and an active position. Theoccupant may be enabled to move the at least one switch between theinactive position and the active position.

In some embodiments, the at least one switch may be configured to offera resistance against moving between the inactive and active position. Insome embodiments, the resistance offered by the switch may be variable.

In some embodiments, the processor may create data relating tostatistics of the occupant while performing the physical therapyroutine. The data may be stored in the memory device. In someembodiments, the data may be automatically transmitted to a computernetwork of a hospital. In some embodiments, the data relating tostatistics of the occupant may include at least one of a heart rate ofthe occupant, a number of repetitions of the physical therapy routineperformed by the occupant, and a score indicative of the caliber of theperformance of the occupant.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit may include an accelerometer, aswitch, and a radio frequency sensor. In some embodiments, the sensorunit may include an accelerometer, a switch, the graphical display, andthe processor. In some embodiments, the graphical display may be a touchscreen.

In some embodiments, the processor is may be configured to update thegraphical display based on a physical fitness of the occupant. Thephysical fitness of the occupant may include information relating to atleast an age of the occupant, a weight of the occupant, a height of theoccupant, any medicines prescribed to the occupant, and a daily physicalfitness level of the occupant.

In some embodiments, the patient support apparatus may be configured toreceive information from a computer network. The physical fitness of theoccupant may be determined from a medical record including informationrelating to the physical fitness of the occupant. The medical record maybe received by the patient support apparatus from the computer network.

In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to end physicaltherapy based upon the information representing the position and motionof the limbs of the occupant performing the physical therapy routinereceived from the sensor unit and a comparison between the informationrepresenting the position and motion of limbs of the occupant and theinformation representing the idealized set of positions and motions ofthe limbs of an occupant performing a physical therapy routine stored inthe memory device. In some embodiments, the processor may be configuredto produce an alarm signal based upon the information representing theposition and motion of the limbs of the occupant performing the physicaltherapy routine received from the sensor unit and a comparison betweenthe information representing the position and motion of limbs of theoccupant and the information representing the idealized set of positionsand motions of the limbs of an occupant performing a physical therapyroutine stored in the memory device.

In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to update thegraphical display based upon information received from the patientsupport apparatus. In some embodiments, the information received fromthe patient support apparatus may include one of an angle and a positionof a portion of a mattress included in the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments, the processor may be in communication with acomputer network. In some embodiments, the memory device may include aunique identifier. Information transmitted to the computer network fromthe processor may include the unique identifier.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofmonitoring an occupant's performance of a physical therapy routine in apatient support apparatus comprises several steps. The steps includedisplaying graphics on a graphical display instructing the occupant toperform a physical therapy routine, receiving information representing aposition and motion of an occupant's limbs, comparing the informationrepresenting the position and motion of the occupant's limbs to a set ofinformation representing an optimal position and motion of limbs of anoccupant performing the physical therapy routine in the patient supportapparatus, and using the information representing the position andmotion of the occupant's limbs and the comparison to the set ofinformation representing the optimal position and motion of limbs of anoccupant performing the physical therapy routine in a patient supportapparatus as parameters to affect the graphics displayed on thegraphical display.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a patient supportapparatus for providing physical therapy to an occupant supported by thepatient support apparatus comprises a control unit, a sensor, and agraphical display. The sensor is operable to sense the position andmotion a limb of the occupant in the patient support apparatus and totransmit information representing the position and motion of the limb ofthe occupant to the control unit. The graphical display is coupled tothe control unit and configured to display graphics based uponinstructions from the control unit. The control unit is configured tomonitor the information representing the position and motion of the limbof the occupant and transmit instructions to the graphical display basedon the information representing the position and motion of the limb ofthe occupant.

In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to evaluate theposition and motion of the limb of the occupant and create datarepresenting a caliber of the performance of the occupant. In someembodiments, the patient support apparatus may be configured tocommunicate the data representing the caliber of the performance of theoccupant to a computer network of a hospital. In some embodiments, theinstructions transmitted by the control unit may be based on informationstored on the computer network of the hospital.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any otherfeature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims,may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support apparatus inaccordance with the present disclosure monitoring an occupant supportedby the patient support apparatus performing a physical therapy routine;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the patient support apparatus of FIG.1, the patient support apparatus including a control unit, a sensorunit, and a graphical display;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the sensor unit ofFIG. 2 including at least one sensing device and a sensor communicationsport;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the patient support apparatus of FIG.1, the patient support apparatus configured to communicate with a numberof devices included in a computer network of a healthcare facility;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a patient supportapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure monitoring theoccupant supported by the patient support apparatus performing aphysical therapy routine with a second embodiment of the sensor unit;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a patient supportapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure monitoring theoccupant supported by the patient support apparatus performing aphysical therapy routine with a third embodiment of the sensor unit;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a patient supportapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure monitoring theoccupant supported by the patient support apparatus performing aphysical therapy routine with a fourth embodiment of the sensor unit;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a patient supportapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure monitoring theoccupant supported by the patient support apparatus performing aphysical therapy routine with a fifth embodiment of the sensor unit; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a patient supportapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure monitoring theoccupant supported by the patient support apparatus performing aphysical therapy routine with a sixth embodiment of the sensor unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A patient support apparatus 10 is configured to enable an occupant 12 toperform physical therapy and is shown in FIG. 1. In some instances,occupant 12 is prescribed physical therapy to recovery from an injury.In the illustrative embodiment, patient support apparatus 10 isconfigured such that occupant 12 can perform at least one physicaltherapy routine 24 while being supported by patient support apparatus10, thus occupant 12 is not required to exit patient support apparatus10 to perform at least some of the physical therapy prescribed foroccupant 12. Furthermore, patient support apparatus 10 providesinstructions for performing physical therapy routine 24 to occupant 12.As such, occupant 12 may perform physical therapy routine 24 alone orunder the supervision of a caregiver 13. Patient support apparatus 10includes a number of devices operable to instruct and monitor theprogress of occupant 12 performing physical therapy routine 24 andprovide feedback to occupant 12.

Patient support apparatus 10 allows for continuous and self-directedphysical therapy treatment. Patient support apparatus 10 increases thelevel of difficulty of physical therapy routine 24 to an appropriateamount of challenge as occupant 12 physically progresses. This approachaccelerates patient mobility and leads to reduced hospital stays,reduced re-admissions, and reduced need for caregiver intervention.

Referring now to FIG. 2, patient support apparatus 10 includes a controlunit 14, a sensor unit 16, and a graphical display 18. Graphical display18 is configured to display graphics 20 that inform or suggest tooccupant 12 how to perform a particular physical therapy routine 24.Sensor unit 16 is operable to detect the position and the movement ofone or more limbs 22 of occupant 12 as occupant 12 performs theparticular physical therapy routine 24. Sensor unit 16 transfersinformation relating to the position and movement of limbs 22 ofoccupant 12 to control unit 14. Control unit 14 compares the informationreceived from sensor unit 16 with information stored in control unit 14.Control unit 14 then updates graphics 20 on graphical display 18 basedon the information received from sensor unit 16 and the comparison madebetween the information received from sensor unit 16 and the informationstored in control unit 14. Occupant 12 is informed as to what movementsare required to continue physical therapy routine 24 by the updatedgraphics 20. For example, graphics 20 may indicate that the occupant 12needs to increase a range of motion or a repetition rate to meet thecurrent target of the physical therapy routine 24.

Patient support apparatus 10 continues to guide occupant 12 throughphysical therapy routine 24 until physical therapy routine 24 isterminated. For example, physical therapy routine 24 may be terminatedwhen occupant 12 completes physical therapy routine 24. Physical therapyroutine 24 may be terminated if patient support apparatus 10 determinesthat occupant 12 is unable to complete the physical therapy routine 24.For example, physical therapy routine 24 may be terminated if occupant12 is unable to adequately increase their range of motion or completethe required number of repetitions as required by physical therapyroutine 24. Additionally, occupant 12 may voluntarily and prematurelyquit performing physical therapy routine 24. In such instances, patientsupport apparatus 10 may automatically terminate physical therapyroutine 24 and produce an alarm signal to alert caregiver 13 thatphysical therapy routine 24 has been terminated.

In some embodiments, patient support apparatus 10 further includes amain communications port 26. Main communications port 26 communicatesinformation relating to the performance of physical therapy routine 24by occupant 12 between patient support apparatus 10 and a computernetwork 28, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

Control unit 14 included in patient support apparatus 10 is shown inFIG. 2. Control unit 14 controls the progression of physical therapyroutine 24. In some embodiments, control unit 14 is integrated with amain control unit (not shown) of patient support apparatus 10. In otherembodiments, control unit 14 is configured to control only physicaltherapy routine 24. Control unit 14 receives information from sensorunit 16 and updates graphics 20 displayed on graphical display 18 inresponse to the information received from sensor unit 16. In theillustrative embodiment, control unit 14 includes a memory device 32 anda processor 30.

Memory device 32 stores information electronically and is configured tocommunicate with processor 30. Processor 30 is configured to receiveinformation from memory device 32 and transmit information to memorydevice 32 to store. The information stored on memory device 32 includesinstructions to initiate, progress, and end physical therapy routine 24.Memory device 32 includes an idealized set of positions and motions oflimbs 22 of occupant 12 performing physical therapy routine 24 andsupported by patient support apparatus 10. In some embodiments, memorydevice 32 further includes an unchanging unique identifier. The uniqueidentifier is unique for each control unit 14. Information transmittedto computer network 28 from control unit 14 includes the uniqueidentifier.

The idealized set of positions included in memory device 32 may includeideal Cartesian coordinates of an arm 22A of occupant 12 for eachposition of physical therapy routine 24. The idealized set of motions,as another example, include an ideal time that it should take occupant12 to move between each position of physical therapy routine 24. In someembodiments, the idealized set of positions and motions are based uponstatistical averages of human anatomy. In other embodiments, theidealized set of positions and motions are based upon the anatomy ofoccupant 12. For example, the idealized set of positions and motions arebased upon the length of the arms and legs of occupant 12 or the age andphysical fitness of occupant 12.

Processor 30 included in control unit 14 communicates with graphicaldisplay 18, memory device 32, and sensor unit 16. Processor 30 receivesinformation from sensor unit 16 during physical therapy routine 24. Atleast some of the information received from sensor unit 16 includesinformation relating to the position and motion of limbs 22 of occupant12. Additionally, processor 30 receives information from memory device32 relating to an idealized set of positions and motions of occupant 12performing physical therapy routine 24 while supported by patientsupport apparatus 10.

Processor 30 compares the information relating to the position andmotion of limbs 22 of occupant 12 with the idealized set of positionsand motions of occupant 12 performing physical therapy routine 24.Processor 30 communicates with graphical display 18 to update graphics20 displayed on graphical display 18 based upon the information relatingto the position and motion of limbs 22 of occupant 12 and the comparisonof the information relating to the position and motion of limbs 22 ofoccupant 12 with the idealized set of position and motion of an occupantof patient support apparatus 10 performing physical therapy routine 24.

In some embodiments, processor 30 is further configured to updategraphical display 18 based upon a physical fitness of occupant 12. Thephysical fitness of occupant 12 may include information relating to atleast an age of occupant 12, a weight of occupant 12, a height ofoccupant 12, any medicines prescribed to occupant 12, and a dailyphysical fitness level of occupant 12. In embodiments where patientsupport apparatus 10 includes a main communications port 26, thephysical fitness of occupant 12 may be received from computer network28. In some embodiments, the physical fitness of occupant 12 may bedetermined from a medical record including information relating to thephysical fitness of occupant 12, where the medical record is received bypatient support apparatus 10 from computer network 28. In someembodiments, the physical fitness of occupant 12 is received fromcomputer network 28 automatically.

Processor 30 is configured to increase the level of difficulty ofphysical therapy routine 24. Processor 30 determines the level ofdifficulty of physical therapy routine 24 based upon the informationrelating to the position and motion of limbs 22 of occupant 12 and thecomparison of the information relating to the position and motion oflimbs 22 of occupant 12 with the idealized set of position and motion ofan occupant of patient support apparatus 10 performing physical therapyroutine 24. In some embodiments, the level of difficulty is furtherbased upon the physical fitness of occupant 12. Processor 30 increasesthe level of difficulty of physical therapy routine 24 by updatinggraphical display 18 in a way that requires occupant 12 to move with agreater speed, range of motion, and/or with more force to completephysical therapy routine 24.

In some embodiments, processor 30 increases the level of difficulty ofphysical therapy routine 24 for occupant 12 during physical therapyroutine 24. In some embodiments, processor 30 increases the level ofdifficulty of physical therapy routine 24 for the next physical therapyroutine 24 preformed by occupant 12 subsequent a successfully completedphysical therapy routine 24.

In some embodiments, processor 30 disables certain features of patientsupport apparatus 10 while occupant 12 performs physical therapy routine24. Processor 30 ends physical therapy routine 24 if the informationfrom other devices (not shown) on patient support apparatus 10 or sensorunit 16 suggests occupant 12 is in a hazardous position. For example,patient support apparatus 10 may automatically end physical therapyroutine 24 if occupant 12 has achieved a position in which occupant 12is at excessive risk of falling from patient support apparatus 10.Furthermore, patient support apparatus 10 may automatically produce andalarm signal used to alert caregiver 13 in response to detecting thatoccupant 12 is in a hazardous position.

In some embodiments, processor 30 creates data 34 relating to thestatistics of occupant 12 performing physical therapy routine 24. Thestatistics may be, for example, a score indicative of the caliber of theperformance of occupant 12 or the number of repetitions of a particularphysical therapy routine 24 performed by occupant 12. As anotherexample, the statistics created by processor 30 include physiologicalmeasurements of occupant 12 during physical therapy routine 24, forexample, the heart rate of occupant 12. As yet another example, data 34includes the progression of occupant 12 over the course of performingseveral progressive physical therapy routines 24. Processor 30 transmitsdata 34 relating to the statistics of occupant 12 to memory device 32for memory device 32 to store. In embodiments where patient supportapparatus 10 includes main communications port 26, data 34 relating tothe statistics of occupant 12 may be transmitted to computer network 28.In some embodiments, data 34 is transmitted to computer network 28automatically.

Graphical display 18 informs occupant 12 as to how to perform physicaltherapy routine 24. Graphical display 18 displays graphics 20 inresponse to input from processor 30. Graphics 20 displayed on graphicaldisplay 18 inform or suggest to occupant 12 how to perform physicaltherapy routine 24. In some embodiments, graphical display includesspeakers 23 that audibly inform occupant 12 as to how to performphysical therapy routine 24. Speakers 23 also produce audible sounds toenhance the experience of physical therapy routine 24.

In some embodiments, graphical display 18 expressly informs occupant 12how to perform physical therapy routine 24. For example, graphicaldisplay 18 displays and audibly produces words describing how occupant12 should position and move their limbs 22. In other embodiments,graphical display 18 indirectly informs or suggests to occupant 12 howto perform physical therapy routine 24. For example, graphical display18 displays graphics 20 of a person performing physical therapy routine24, suggesting that occupant 12 should position and move their limbs 22in a manner similar to the person displayed on graphical display 18. Inanother example, graphical display 18 displays graphic 20 in a specificlocation on graphical display 18, suggesting occupant 12 should positionand move at least one of their limbs 22 to mirror graphic 20.

Graphical display 18 may be any device capable of informing occupant 12how to perform physical therapy routine 24. In some embodiments,graphical display 18 is an electronic visual display capable ofrendering different graphics, for example a touch-screen monitor. Inother embodiments, graphical display 18 includes pre-determined shapesthat are configured to be illuminated. For example, graphical display 18may be a television or a mat 150 including images of hands and feetwhere a specific image of a hand is illuminated when occupant 12 needsto place a hand 22H over the illuminated image of a hand to performphysical therapy routine 24.

In some embodiments, when graphical display 18 is included in sensorunit 16, for example when sensor unit is mat 150, occupant 12 issupported by graphical display 18. In other embodiments, a number ofgraphical displays 22 are positioned at several locations on patientsupport apparatus 10. For example, graphical display 18 may be one ormore television screens or illuminated graphics 20 located on a siderail 40, a headboard 42, or a footboard 44 of patient support apparatus10.

In other embodiments graphical display is positioned at a singlelocation on patient support apparatus 10. For example, graphical display18 is coupled to footboard 44 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, graphicaldisplay 18 rotates so that graphical display 18 faces toward occupant 12positioned in patient support apparatus 10 or face away from occupant12, for example, toward a caregiver (not shown) positioned betweenoccupant 12 and graphical display 18.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, patient support apparatus10 includes main communications port 26. Main communications port 26enables patient support apparatus 10 to communicate with computernetwork or system 28 of a healthcare facility as indicateddiagrammatically in FIG. 4 by double-headed arrows 50. Maincommunications port 26 may communicate with computer network 28 througha wired or wireless datalink.

Included in computer network 28 is a nurse call system 52, an electronicmedical record database 54, a nurse call/locating badge 56, one ore morecomputers programmed with workflow process software 58, (such as, forexample, NaviCare® software which is available from Hill-Rom Company,Inc.), one or more personal digital assistant (PDA's) 60, one or morevoice communications badges 62, and one or more pagers 64. In someembodiments, nurse call system 52 and badges 56 are of the typeavailable as part of the ComLinx™ system from Hill-Rom Company, Inc.

Main communications port 26 includes a transmitter 70 and a receiver 72.Main communications port 26 is configured to communicate with one ormore computers in computer network 28 via transmitter 70. For example,transmitter 70 transmits data 34 relating to statistics of occupant 12performing physical therapy routine 24 along with measurements from aphysiological sensor 78. Transmitter 70 is also configured to transmitan alarm signal to one or more computers in computer network 28 to alerta caregiver 13 of the status of occupant 12, for example, if occupant 12is no longer performing physical therapy routine 24.

Receiver 72 included in main communications port 26 receives informationfrom the one or more computers in computer network 28. For example,receiver 72 receives information relating to the physical fitness ofoccupant 12. The information relating to the physical fitness ofoccupant 12 may be from a medical record of occupant 12 stored in adatabase of computer network 28. Processor 30 is configured to updategraphics 20 on graphical display 18 to instruct occupant 12 to performphysical therapy routine 24 with a difficulty suitable for the physicalfitness of occupant 12.

Sensor unit 16 is configured to sense the position and motion of limbs22 of occupant 12 and transmit information relating to the position andmotion of limbs 22 of occupant 12 to processor 30 as shown in FIGS. 2and 3. Sensor unit 16 includes at least one sensing device 74 and asensor communications port 76. In some embodiments, sensor unit 16further includes at least one of physiological sensor 78, an alarm 80,and an auxiliary feedback device 82. In some embodiments, sensor unit 16is a portable device physically uncoupled with patient support apparatus10. For example, sensor unit 16 may be a tablet computer or handheldcontroller. In some embodiments sensor unit 16 is omitted and componentsof sensor unit 16 are integral with patient support apparatus 10. Forexample, sensing devices 74 may be integral with side rails 40 orfootboard 44.

Sensor communications port 76 communicates information between sensorunit 16 and processor 30. Sensor communications port includes atransmitter 86 that transmits information to processor 30. Theinformation transmitted to processor 30 includes, for example, theinformation relating to the position and movement of limbs 22 ofoccupant 12 and measurements from physiological sensor 78.

In some embodiments, sensor communications port 76 includes a receiver88 configured to receive information from processor 30. The informationreceived from processor 30 includes, for example, instructions tocontrol sensing device 74, physiological sensor 78, alarm 80, andauxiliary feedback device 82. Sensor communications port 76 maycommunicate with processor 30 through a wired or wireless datalink.

Sensing device 74 is configured to detect at least information relatingto the position and motion of limbs 22 of occupant 12. Sensing device 74may be one of a number of types of sensors. For example, sensing device74 may include an accelerometer 100, a camera 120, a weight sensor 110,radio frequency sensor 140, and a switch 130. In some embodiments,sensor unit 16 includes multiple sensing devices 74. For example, in oneembodiment, sensor unit 16 includes at least one accelerometer 100 andat least one switch 130. In another embodiment, sensor unit 16 includesa video camera 120 and a number of weight sensors 110.

In some embodiments, sensing device 74 is at least one camera 120 asshown in FIG. 1. Camera 120 is configured to record images of occupant12. The images of occupant 12 are communicated to processor 30.Processor 30 is configured to determine the movement and position of thelimbs 22 of occupant 12 based on the images recorded by camera 120. Themovement and position of limbs of occupant 12 are determined by theimages and a comparison between consecutive images.

In some embodiments, two cameras are used for a larger field of view orto enable processor 30 to determine depth of objects in the field ofview of cameras 120. Camera 120 is configured to be mounted at anylocation where the viewing area of camera 120 includes at least one ofthe limb 22 of occupant 12 required to perform physical therapy routine24. For example, cameras 120 may be mounted on the side rails 40,headboard 42, or footboard 44 of patient support apparatus 10. Camera120 may be independently mounted to a tripod 122 next to patient supportapparatus 10. Camera 120 may be any device capable of recording imagesof occupant 12. For example, camera 120 may be a video camera, a digitalcamera, a depth camera, and stereo cameras. Camera 120 may detect in thevisible light spectrum or in the infrared light spectrum.

In some embodiments, sensing device 74 is accelerometer 100 as shown, asan example, in FIG. 5. Accelerometer 100 is able to measure accelerationof sensor unit 16 in a first directional axis 102. In some embodiments,when sensor unit 16 includes accelerometers 100, sensor unit 16 includesthree accelerometers 100A, 100B, and 100C to receive accelerationinformation about three axes. Accelerometer 100A is able to measureacceleration in first directional axis 102. Accelerometer 100B is ableto measure acceleration in a second directional axis 104 orthogonal tofirst directional axis 102. Accelerometer 100C is able to measureacceleration in a third directional axis 106 orthogonal to both firstdirectional axis 102 and second directional axis 104.

In some embodiments including accelerometers 100, occupant 12 holdssensor unit 16 in one or both hands 22H. In some embodiments, graphicaldisplay 18 instructs occupant 12 as to which hand or hands 22H shouldhold sensor unit 16. Occupant 12 performing physical therapy routine 24moves arms 22A and hands 22H as required to complete physical therapyroutine 24. Accelerometers 100A, 100B, 100C measure the acceleration ofsensor unit 16 as occupant 12 moves hands 22H. Processor 30 uses theacceleration measurements to determine relative position of limbs 22 ofoccupant 12 between positions. As such, sensor unit 16 is able tomeasure the acceleration of limbs 22 of occupant 12 as well as therelative position of limbs 22 of occupant 12 during physical therapyroutine 24.

In some embodiments, sensing device 74 is a radio frequency sensor 140as shown in FIG. 5. Radio frequency sensor 140 transmits and receivesradio waves to determine a point in space where sensor unit 16 ispointing. As an example, radio frequency sensor 140 is included in anend 142 of sensor unit 16. End 142 of sensor unit 16 is pointed atgraphical display 18 coupled to footboard 44 of patient supportapparatus 10. Processor 30 determines a point 144 on graphical display18 that sensor unit 16 is being pointed based on the information fromradio frequency sensor 140. Point 144 appears as a cursor 146 ongraphical display 18.

Occupant 12 is able to use sensor unit 16 including radio frequencysensor 140 as a pointer to control graphic display 18. As an example, inFIG. 5, sensor unit 16 is elongated and configured to be held in onehand 22H of occupant 12. Sensor unit 16 includes radio frequency sensor140 in end 142 of sensor unit 16. Occupant 12 is able to orient sensorunit 16 such that cursor 146 appears on graphical display 18 at alocation desired by occupant 12. As one example, graphical display 18displays several menu options. Occupant 12 orients sensor unit 16 suchthat cursor 146 highlights a desired menu option on graphical display18. Occupant 12 selects the highlighted menu option by depressing abutton on sensor unit 16 while the menu option is highlighted. Inanother example of occupant 12 using radio frequency sensor 140 toperform physical therapy routine 24, a number of graphics 20 aredisplayed on graphical display 18 and occupant 12 is instructed toorient sensor unit 16 such that cursor 146 is moved towards andvirtually contacts graphics 20. As such, the hand 22H and wrist ofoccupant 12 orienting sensor unit 16 are strengthened.

In some embodiments, sensing device 74 is a weight sensor 110 as shownin FIG. 6. Weight sensor 110 is capable of measuring an amount of weightapplied to weight sensor 110. In some embodiments, a number of weightsensors 110 are included in patient support apparatus. In oneembodiment, as an example, patient support apparatus 10 includes anumber of weight sensors 110 in a deck section 46 of patient supportapparatus 10.

Occupant 12 is supported by deck section 46 and, as such, the weight ofoccupant 12 is distributed to the number of weight sensors 110. Asoccupant 12 moves in patient support apparatus 10, the weight ofoccupant 12 is redistributed to the number of weight sensors 110. Thenumber of weight sensors 110 communicate the weight of occupant 12measured by each weight sensor 110 to processor 30. Processor 30 isconfigured to determine the movement and position of the limbs 22 ofoccupant 12 based on the change in the weight measured by each weightsensor 110 when occupant 12 moves.

In some embodiments, sensing device 74 is a switch 130 as shown in FIGS.7 and 8. Switch 130 has an active position and an inactive position.Switch 130 is in the active position when switch 130 is closed byoccupant 12. Switch 130 is in the inactive position when switch 130 isopened by occupant 12. Sensor unit 16 is configured to communicate theposition of switch 130 to processor 30. Switch 130 may be any devicecapable of changing from an inactive position to an active position byoccupant 12. For an example, switch 130 may be a push button 130P, afoot pedal switch 130F, or a touch-screen 130TS.

In some embodiments, a number of switches 130 are coupled to patientsupport apparatus 10. Push buttons 130P are initially in the inactiveposition. Occupant 12 can move push buttons 130P to the active positionby depressing push buttons 130P. In one embodiment, push buttons 130Pare coupled to side rails 40, headboard 42, and footboard 44. A limb 22of occupant 12 is able to reach out and depress, and thus move to theactive position, any of the number of push buttons 130P. Patient supportapparatus 10 informs occupant 12 as to which push button 130P todepress, the amount of time to depress it, and which limb 22 to depresspush button 130P.

In some embodiments, push button 130P illuminates a graphic 20 of a limb22 of occupant 12 to indicate occupant 12 should depress the illuminatedpush button 130P with limb 22 until push button 130P is no longerilluminated. In other embodiments, sensor unit 16 includes a number ofpush buttons 130P to enable occupant 12 to communicate with patientsupport apparatus 10. For example, occupant 12 depresses a first pushbutton 130P to answer in the affirmative in response to a prompt ongraphical display 18. Occupant 12 instead depresses a second push button130P to answer in the negative in response to the prompt on graphicaldisplay 18. In yet another embodiment, when graphical display is a mat150 for example, switches 130 are included in graphical display 18.

In some embodiments where sensing device 74 is intended to be touched orpressed upon by occupant 12, for example, when sensing device 74 isweight sensor 110 or switch 130, sensing device 74 has variableresistance such that occupant 12 must press upon sensing device 74 withenough force to overcome a predetermined threshold value. For example,sensing device 74 may have a constant resistance rate such that sensingdevice 74 resists forces applied to sensing device 74 by occupant 12 ina linear relationship and occupant 12 must apply a force to sensingdevice 74 greater than the threshold value to progress the physicaltherapy routine 24. As another example, sensing device 74 may activelyresist any force applied to sensing device 74 by occupant 12 such thatsensing device 74 applies a greater force to occupant 12 than occupant12 applies to sensing device 74 and occupant 12 must apply a force tosensing device 74 greater than the threshold value to progress thephysical therapy routine 24. Sensing device 74 may apply a greater forcethan occupant 12, for example, by an actuator coupled to sensing device74.

In another embodiment, sensing device 74 is a proximity sensor 90.Proximity sensor 90 detects when proximity sensor 90 is proximate topatient support apparatus 10. Proximity sensor 90 may be any devicecapable of detecting the proximity of proximity sensor 90 to patientsupport apparatus 10. For an example, patient support apparatus 10 andproximity sensor 90 are in wireless communication with each other. Insome embodiments, patient support apparatus 10 has a specific wirelesscommunication range. Patient support apparatus 10 is able to detectproximity sensor 90 so long as proximity sensor 90 is within thespecific wireless communication range of patient support apparatus 10.

In some embodiments, where sensor unit 16 includes proximity sensor 90,sensor unit 16 is assigned to a specific patient support apparatus.Alarm 80 is activated if proximity sensor 90 is moved to a locationoutside of a specified range of patient support apparatus 10. This ishelpful, for example, to reduce the chance of losing sensor unit 16 byactivating alarm 80 if sensor unit 16 is moved away from the assignedpatient support apparatus 10.

In some embodiments, patient support apparatus 10 includes physiologicalsensor 78 as shown in FIG. 3. Physiological sensor 78 measures at leastone vital sign of occupant 12. For example, physiological sensor 78 maybe a heart rate monitor, a thermometer, and a respiration sensor.Physiological sensor 78 measures, for example, the heart rate, bodytemperature, respiration rate, skin temperature of occupant 12, or theamount of calories burned by occupant 12 during physical therapy routine24. In some embodiments, physiological sensor 78 is coupled to sensorunit 16 as shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, physiological sensor78 is separated from sensor unit 16 and communicates with control unit14 independently.

The measurements of the vital signs of occupant 12 are communicated toprocessor 30. In some embodiments, processor 30 uses the measurements ofthe vital signs of occupant 12 to help determine what graphics 20 aredisplayed on graphical display 18. For example, graphical display 18displays graphics 20 that inform occupant 12 to perform a lessphysically demanding physical therapy routine 24 in response to theheart rate measurement of occupant 12. Processor 30 is configurable toactivate an alarm 80 based on the value of the measurements. Forexample, processor 30 activates alarm 80 if the heart rate measurementof occupant 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

In some embodiments, sensor unit 16 includes alarm 80 as shown in FIG.3. Alarm 80 may be any device capable of alerting occupant 12 andcaregiver 13. For example, in some embodiments, alarm 80 is audible andvisible. Alarm 80 is configured to be activated by a number ofconditions. As an example, alarm 80 is activated if a vital signmeasurement from physiological sensor 78 exceeds a predefined threshold.As another example, alarm 80 is activated if sensor unit 16 is separatedfrom patient support apparatus 10 by a distance larger than apredetermined range.

In some embodiments, sensor unit 16 includes an auxiliary feedbackdevice 82 as shown in FIG. 3. Auxiliary feedback device 82 may be anydevice capable of providing feedback to occupant 12 performing physicaltherapy routine 24. In an illustrative embodiment, auxiliary feedbackdevice 82 is capable of vibrating sensor unit 16. Sensor unit 16vibrates, for example, if occupant 12 incorrectly performs physicaltherapy routine 24. In other embodiments, auxiliary feedback device 82may be a speaker, a light, or an aroma.

In some embodiments, patient support apparatus 10 incorporates controlsor buttons for controlling other features included in patient supportapparatus 10 into physical therapy routine 24. Incorporating thecontrols of features included in patient support apparatus 10 andoutside of sensor unit 16 into physical therapy routine 24 increases thescope of the physical anatomy of occupant 12 that can be treated byphysical therapy routine 24. Additionally, the sensory perception ofoccupant 12 may be tested and treated by physical therapy routine 24 byincorporating the controls of features outside of sensor unit 16.

For example, physical therapy routine 24 may incorporate the controlsfor adjusting lights included in patient support apparatus 10 or theangle of a head section of a mattress included in patient supportapparatus 10. These controls are not included in sensor unit 16 and maybe included in patient support apparatuses that do not include physicaltherapy routine 24. Physical therapy routine 24 may require occupant 12to adjust the angle of the head section of the mattress via the buttonsthat control the angle of the head section. Physical therapy routine 24may progress only after occupant 12 has adjusted the angle of the headsection to the required angle. By adjusting the angle of the headsection correctly, occupant 12 demonstrates both the mentally ability tounderstand and the physically capability to execute the instructions.

In some embodiments, sensor unit 16 includes a combination of sensingdevices 74, physiological sensors 78, alarms 80, and auxiliary feedbackdevices 82. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of patient support apparatus 10where sensing device 74 includes a number of cameras 120. As one exampleof occupant 12 using sensor unit 16 to perform physical therapy routine24, a first graphic 20F is displayed on graphical display 18. Occupant12 is instructed to point foot 22F at first graphic 20F. Cameras 120record the position and movement of occupant 12 and occupant 12 pointsfoot 22F at first graphic 20F. Processor 30 compares the informationfrom cameras 120 to the information relating to the ideal position andmovement of an occupant. After processor 30 determines that the positionand movement of foot 22F of occupant 12 are adequate, where the adequacyis based on the comparison between the position and movements of foot22F of occupant 12 and the ideal position and movement of an occupant,processor 30 instructs graphical display 18 to remove first graphic 20Fand display a second graphic 20S on graphical display 18.

Second graphic 20S informs occupant 12 to point foot 22F at secondgraphic 20S. Cameras 120 record the position and movement of occupant 12as occupant 12 points foot 22F at second graphic 20S. Processor 30compares the information from cameras 120 to the information relating tothe ideal position and movement of an occupant. After processor 30determines that the position and movements of foot 22F of occupant 12are adequate, processor 30 increases repetition counter 152 by onerepetition. Processor 30 instructs graphical display 18 to remove secondgraphic 20S and display first graphic 20F on graphical display 18.Physical therapy routine 24 repeats in this manner until occupant 12 hascompleted a prescribed number of repetitions.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of patient support apparatus 10 where sensingdevice 74 includes a number of accelerometers 100, radio frequencysensor 140, and a number of switches 130. As an example of occupant 12using the illustrative embodiment of sensor unit 16 to perform physicaltherapy routine 24, first graphic 20F is displayed in the upper-rightcorner of graphical display 18. Occupant 12 holds sensor unit 16 in hand22H of limb 22 requiring physical therapy. Occupant 12 points end 142 ofsensor unit 16, including radio frequency sensor 140, at first graphic20F and depresses one of the number of switches 130. Accelerometers 100and radio frequency sensor 140 work together to accurately recordinformation relating to the position and movement of limb 22 of occupant12.

Processor 30 compares the information relating to the position andmovement of hand 22H of occupant 12 and information relating to theideal position and movement of a hand of an occupant. If processor 30determines that the physical therapy routine 24 position was adequate,processor 30 instructs graphical display 18 to display second graphic20S in the upper-left corner of graphical display 18. Second graphic 20Sinforms occupant 12 as to where to move limb 22 to continue physicaltherapy routine 24.

Occupant 12 moves limb 22 and points sensor unit 16 at second graphic20S and depresses one of the number of switches 130 in response tosecond graphic 20S appearing on graphical display 18. Processor 30receives information from sensor unit 16 relating to the measurements ofaccelerometers 100, radio frequency sensor 140, and switch 130 andcompares the information to the idealized values of limbs 22 of anoccupant 12 moving sensor unit 18 from first graphic 20F to secondgraphic 20S.

Processor 30 determines a score 92 based on the difference between theinformation relating to the movement and position of limbs 22 ofoccupant 12 and the idealized movement and positions of an occupant. Athird graphic 20T and score 92 of occupant 12 is displayed on graphicaldisplay 18 in response to the comparison made by processor 30.Additionally, speaker 23 of graphical display 18 may produce an audiblesound indicating that occupant 12 performed the physical therapy routineadequately.

However, graphical display 18 may remain the same, for example, ifprocessor 30 determines the movement and position of limbs 22 ofoccupant 12 were not sufficient to complete that physical therapyroutine 24 position. Speaker 23 produces an audible sound indicatingthat occupant 12 did not perform the physical therapy routineadequately.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of patient support apparatus 10 where sensingdevice 74 includes a number of weight sensors 110. As an example ofoccupant 12 using sensor unit 16 to perform physical therapy routine 24,an avatar 148 representing occupant 12 is displayed on graphical display18. Avatar 148 is configured to move on graphical display 18 relative tothe amount of weight of occupant 12 distributed to each weight sensor110. First graphic 20F is displayed on graphical display 18 informingoccupant 12 to move avatar 148 toward first graphic 20F. Occupant 12moves limbs 22 to redistribute the weight of occupant 12 distributed toeach weight sensor 110. For example, occupant 12 leans to the left toapply more weight to weight sensors 110 located on a left side ofpatient support apparatus 10. Weight sensors 110 record the amount ofweight distributed to each weight sensor 110 as information relating tothe position and movement of limb 22 of occupant 12.

Processor 30 compares the information relating to the position andmovement of occupant 12 and information relating to the ideal positionand movement of an occupant. If processor 30 determines that thephysical therapy routine 24 position was adequate, processor 30instructs graphical display 18 to display second graphic 20S ongraphical display 18. Second graphic 20S informs occupant 12 as to whereto move avatar 148 to continue physical therapy routine 24.

Processor 30 determines score 92 based on the difference between theinformation relating to the movement and position of occupant 12 and theidealized movement and positions of an occupant. However, graphicaldisplay 18 may remain the same, for example, if processor 30 determinesthe movement and position of occupant 12 were not sufficient to completethat physical therapy routine 24 position.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of patient support apparatus 10 where sensorunit 16 includes a touch-screen graphical display 130TS and sensingdevice 74 includes a number of accelerometers 100 and a number ofswitches 130. As a first example of occupant 12 using sensor unit 16 toperform physical therapy routine 24, cursor 146 and first graphic 20Fare displayed on graphical display 18. Cursor 146 is configured to moveon graphical display 18 in response to occupant 12 rotating sensor unit16. Occupant 12 moves limbs 22 to rotate sensor unit 16 to try to makecursor 146 contact first graphic 20F. Accelerometers 100 record therotation of sensor unit 16 as information relating to the position andmovement of limb 22 of occupant 12.

Processor 30 compares the information relating to the position andmovement of occupant 12 and information relating to the ideal positionand movement of an occupant. If processor 30 determines that thephysical therapy routine 24 position was adequate, processor 30instructs graphical display 18 to display second graphic 20S ongraphical display 18. Second graphic 20S informs occupant 12 as to whereto move cursor 146 to continue physical therapy routine 24.

Processor 30 determines score 92 based on the difference between theinformation relating to the movement and position of occupant 12 and theidealized movement and positions of an occupant. A second graphic 20Sand score 92 of occupant 12 are displayed on graphical display 18 inresponse to the comparison made by processor 30. However, graphicaldisplay 18 may remain the same, for example, if processor 30 determinesthe movement and position of occupant 12 were not sufficient to completethat physical therapy routine 24 position.

As a second example of using the patient support apparatus of FIG. 7,occupant 12 is required to press upon touch-screen graphical display130TS where first graphic 20F is displayed. Processor 30 instructsgraphical display 18 to display a second graphic 20S when occupant 12touches first graphic 20F.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of patient support apparatus 10 where sensingdevice 74 includes a number of push buttons 130P. As an example ofoccupant 12 using sensor unit 16 to perform physical therapy routine 24,one of the number of push buttons 130P is illuminated. Occupant moveslimb 22 to illuminated push button 130P and depresses push button 130Puntil illuminated push button 130P is no longer illuminated. Ifprocessor 30 determines push button 130P was depressed adequately,another one of the number of push buttons 130P is illuminated.

In some embodiments, push buttons 130P are illuminated in a specificpattern. Occupant 12 is instructed to depress push buttons 130P in thatpattern. When occupant 12 completes the pattern, the number ofilluminated push buttons 130P in the pattern is increased by one.Occupant 12 continues to perform physical therapy routine 24 bydepressing push buttons 130P in an order consistent with the patternuntil occupant 12 depresses push buttons 130P in an order inconsistentwith the pattern.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of patient support apparatus 10 where sensingdevice 74 includes mat 150 including a number of push buttons 130Pand/or weight sensors 110. As an example of occupant 12 using sensorunit 16 to perform physical therapy routine 24, mat 150 is supported ondeck section 46 and occupant 12 is supported on mat 150.

Graphics 20 included in mat 150 illuminate to inform occupant 12 totouch mat 150 with limbs 22 where graphics 20 are illuminated. Pushbuttons 130P and/or weight sensors 110 detect limbs 22 touching mat 150.Occupant 12 moves limb 22 and touches mat 150 where graphics 20 areilluminated until graphics 20 are no longer illuminated. If processor 30determines that the limbs 22 of occupant 12 were touching mat 150adequately to satisfy the physical therapy routine 24 position, anothergraphic on mat 150 is illuminated. In some embodiments, anothergraphical display 18 is coupled to footboard 44 and displays a graphicof mat 150. The graphic 20 of mat 150 indicates the illuminated graphics20 on actual mat 150 to assist occupant 12 performing physical therapyroutine 24.

Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detailabove, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit ofthis disclosure as described and as defined in the following claims.

1. A patient support apparatus for providing physical therapy to anoccupant, the patient support apparatus comprising: a processor, asensor unit operable to sense the position and motion of limbs of theoccupant in the patient support apparatus and to transmit informationrepresenting the position and motion of the limbs of the occupant to theprocessor, a graphical display coupled to the processor and configuredto display graphics based upon feedback from the processor, a memorydevice coupled to the processor and containing information representingan idealized set of positions and motions of limbs of an occupant to beachieved by the occupant while performing a physical therapy routine,wherein the processor is configured to update the graphical displaybased upon (i) the information representing the position and motion ofthe limbs of the occupant performing the physical therapy routinereceived from the sensor unit and (ii) a comparison between theinformation representing the position and motion of limbs of theoccupant and the information representing the idealized set of positionsand motions of the limbs of an occupant performing a physical therapyroutine stored in the memory device.
 2. The patient support apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is configured to update the graphicaldisplay to display graphics instructing the occupant to move the limbsof the occupant with at least one of a first speed, a first range ofmotion, and a first force to progress the physical therapy.
 3. Thepatient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor isconfigured to update the graphical display to display graphicsinstructing the occupant to move the limbs of the occupant with at leastone of a second speed, a second range of motion, and a second force toprogress the physical therapy, and the one of the second speed, secondrange of motion, and second force are determined by the comparisonbetween the information representing the position and motion of limbs ofthe occupant and the information representing the idealized set ofpositions and motions of the limbs of an occupant performing a physicaltherapy routine stored in the memory device.
 4. The patient supportapparatus of claim 1, wherein the information representing the idealizedset of positions and motions of limbs of the occupant are based upon alength of a limb of the occupant.
 5. The patient support apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the information representing the idealized set ofpositions and motions of limbs of the occupant are based upon an age ofthe occupant.
 6. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesensor unit is wirelessly connected to an assigned patient supportapparatus and the sensor unit sounds an audible alarm if the sensor unitis moved to a position outside of a specified range of the assignedpatient support apparatus.
 7. The patient support apparatus of claim 1further including at least one physiological sensor, the physiologicalsensor configured to transmit information representing one of a heartrate, respiration rate, calories burned, and temperature of the occupantto the processor.
 8. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe sensor unit includes a number of weight sensors.
 9. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is mounted on amember of the patient support apparatus.
 10. The patient supportapparatus of claim 1, wherein the graphical display is positioned to bevisible to the occupant.
 11. The patient support apparatus of claim 1,wherein the graphical display is mounted on a member of the patientsupport apparatus.
 12. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe graphical display is included in the sensor unit.
 13. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes an imagerecording device.
 14. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe sensor unit includes at least one accelerometer.
 15. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes at leastone switch, the at least one switch having an inactive and an activeposition, and the occupant is enabled to move the at least one switchbetween the inactive position and the active position.
 16. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one switch isconfigured to offer a resistance against moving between the inactive andactive position.
 17. The patient support apparatus of claim 16, whereinthe resistance offered by the switch is variable.
 18. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes a radiofrequency sensor.
 19. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe processor further creates data relating to statistics of theoccupant while performing the physical therapy routine, the data storedin the memory device.
 20. The patient support apparatus of claim 19,wherein the data is automatically transmitted to a computer network of ahospital.